A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
-- Chinese Proverb

Dear friends,

I am excited to announce that I am participating in the American Lung Association® in Washington's 23rd annual CLIMB FOR CLEAN AIR. This July, I will be climbing the second highest peak in the continental U.S., Mount Rainier, with the guidance of mountaineering guru, Lou Whittaker. Although it is not exactly "a thousand miles" (more like 14,411 feet), it is still necessary to begin with a single step, and that is why I am writing to you.

In order to fulfill this life-long dream of climbing Mt. Rainier, I need the help of individuals like you to sponsor me in my endeavors. Rather than climbing Mt Rainier solely for personal reasons, I have pledged to raise $3,500 by May 1st of this year to help support the American Lung Association® in Washington in their fight against lung disease.

The American Lung Association® in Washington will put your contribution to use by:

• Helping to raise awareness about the increasing air pollution in our state and to fight for cleaner air.
• Helping to prevent lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and tuberculosis.  Lung disease is the third leading cause of death by disease in the U.S.
• Helping to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people, which is responsible for one in every five deaths in the US each year. Tobacco causes more deaths than cocaine, heroin, alcohol, homicide, suicide, traffic accidents, fires and AIDS combined.

I hope you will find it worthwhile to support me in completing my quest to reach the summit of Mt. Rainier and in supporting the American Lung Association® in Washington.  The first step was to contact you.  The next step is yours to take. Any amount of contribution would be greatly appreciated; however, anyone that donates $50 or more will receive a 5x7 photo of me at the summit - exhausted, freezing, hungry, and most of all, ELATED! If you are part of a business or corporation, I would be more than happy to pack a lightweight banner with your logo on it, to photograph with me at the summit to demonstrate your support.

You can sponsor in whatever format is most convenient for you - cash, check (made payable to the American Lung Association® in Washington), or credit card (see enclosed form). All donations will receive an official receipt. All contributions are 100% tax-deductible. For more information on how to donate or for facts about the Climb, you can also visit my website at www.cleanairadventures.org

Thank you in advance for all of your support and generosity. I am very excited to embark on this adventure.  With your support and contribution, together we can improve lung health in Washington.